You ultimately decide who YOU are going to work with.Hope this helps.

Ultimately, it's difficult to confirm the identity of the borrower. 

If you're going to run a successful business renovating houses, ultimately you being proficient at/and or managing said proficiency in estimating will be a crucial part of your underwriting.Google "how to estimate house remodeling" your hard work will be rewarded.

Ultimately, leading to issues down the road (eviction/habitual late payments)

For the second time, I've had a guest cancel a reservation, initiating a refunding through my payment provider that brings with it significant transfer fees because Booking.com heavily promotes their "book for free, pay on arrival" policy, which is not aligned to my management platform policy.

@Geoff Engel depending on what amount of available cash you are starting with and what you ultimately want to achieve will help determine your path.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Perhaps they want long term income for their retirement and ultimately their heirs.

While James' mentorship program promotes the success stories of students making substantial income, the reality on the ground tells a different story.